• Global acceptance - Visa debit is globally accepted at 30 million retail outlets across 160 countries including America, Asia and Pacific. Maestro is accepted in all those countries too but usually only at ATMs. Visa debit cards are also more widely accepted on the internet.
• Purchase protection - when you use your Visa debit card to make purchases in advance or buy goods on the internet you will now receive a higher level of purchase protection. E.g. when a company goes bust before you receive your purchases, you may be able to claim your money back.
• Security for purchase on the internet - protection through the 'Verified by Visa' scheme see below.
Your Visa branded card will work just the same as your existing Maestro branded card just in more places.

• Verified by Visa works in exactly the same way as SecureCode on your Maestro Card, we offer this security under the name 'Ulster Bank Secure'.
• Customers already enrolled for Ulster Bank Secure can still use their existing password.
• If you make a purchase on the internet you will be asked for your card number and the three-digit security number as normal. You will then be asked to verify this transaction by keying in your password. When you do this for the first time you will be directed to a special Ulster Bank site.
• If you have not registered you can do so at www.ulsterbanksecure.com. There is no need to down load any new software or apply for a new card. Simply follow the instructions and register your password.
• Using Ulster Bank Secure reduces the chance that a fraudster can use your card on the internet.

The Verified by Visa service is available wherever the 'Verified by Visa logo' is seen.

The Group has decided to migrate all its debit cards from Maestro/Laser to Visa debit to offer customers benefits such outlined above.
I am sorry you can no longer have a Maestro card from Ulster Bank but our Visa debit card offers more benefits so we are convinced this is the right move for customers.

The card you have received is a Visa debit card and replaces your existing debit card which currently displays the Maestro, Solo, Cirrus or logo. . The Visa debit card will debit your current account in the same way that your previous card did.

Yes, your new Visa debit card will have the same PIN as your existing card.

Ulster Bank Anytime is not affected and will work as it does now. If you have registered your card to pay on the internet e.g. Amazon or Paypal. The Amazon or Paypal sites will prompt you to change it. You will then need to register your new card number.

No. We presently issue Maestro cards which meet most of our customers needs. Together with our range of credit cards, Ulster Bank currently offers customers a choice of how to pay for products and services depending on the situation in which they find themselves, e.g. in shops in the UK, purchasing on the internet, overseas or withdrawing cash. Changing lifestyle trends mean that people are travelling more and further and are buying goods on the internet more. Visa debit cards match these changes needs, offering more purchase points as well as high levels of protection and security when making card purchases

All our cards will be replaced in due course but if you don't want to wait you can order a new Visa card now. (Replacement cards can be ordered from your branch from mid September onwards).

The card your child has received is a Visa debit card, not a credit card. The card can be used to access their account in branches and at ATMs. The card can also be used to pay for purchases in shops, over the phone and on the internet, in the same way as their existing Solo card. Purchases will only be completed if the child has money in their account to cover the transaction.

Ulster Bank Group aim to replace all Maestro cards with Visa debit cards by the end of December 2010. We have sent yours now so that you can have the benefits that go with the new card now - see response to question 2 above. You should start using your new Visa card now and dispose of your old card carefully.

No. Please start to use your replacement card immediately as your existing card will stop working within the next month.

Recognising the needs of our customers who want to be able to access easily the money they have in their current accounts, we are replacing Cashplus cards and CashCARDs with new debitCARDs that have the Visa brand. These cards can be used in more shops, restaurants and on more internet sites.
When the new cards are used, your account will be checked to see if you have money in your account so you can't spend money you don't have.

Ulster Bank plan to replace all existing Contactless cards towards the end of 2010. Should you like a Visa debit card we arrange to issue one to you, however you will lose Contactless functionality.
Customers can contact Ulster Bank via their local branch to request a Visa debit card from the middle of September 2009